Women TechEU: Funding Opportunity for Women-Led Deep Tech Startups

September 8, 2026

Women-led deep tech startups are invited to apply for Women TechEU, an EU-funded initiative designed to support early-stage companies led by women and help them grow into Europe’s future technology leaders.

The 2026–2028 edition of Women TechEU will provide €12 million in equity-free funding to support 160 women-led deep tech startups across Europe. Each selected company will receive a €75,000 non-dilutive grant, complemented by a tailored business development programme including mentoring, coaching, training, expert guidance, investor and corporate matchmaking, and networking opportunities.

The application process consists of two stages. Applicants must first complete the Eligibility Strand, a simplified eligibility check designed to confirm whether the company meets the programme’s participation requirements. Eligibility applications are accepted on a continuous basis, with weekly cut-off dates every Tuesday at 17:00 Brussels time. The Eligibility Strand remains open until 14 June 2027.

Applicants that successfully pass the eligibility check will be invited to submit a Full Proposal. Four Full Proposal submission deadlines are scheduled between 2026 and 2027.

Women TechEU also places a strong emphasis on addressing geographical disparities in Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Forty per cent of the budget available at each cut-off is reserved for applicants based in Horizon Europe Widening countries, including Lithuania.

The programme is open to eligible women-led early-stage deep tech startups established in EU Member States and eligible Horizon Europe associated countries.

Lithuanian women-led deep tech startups are encouraged to explore this opportunity and apply for financial and tailored business development support that can help accelerate their growth, strengthen investor readiness and expand their European networks.

More information about the programme, eligibility requirements and application process is available on the official Women TechEU website: womentecheurope.eu.

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